Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay lead Pakistan to an emphatic victory after chasing India’s 89-run target in just 3.5 overs at the Hong Kong International Sixes.
HONG KONG: Defending champions Pakistan delivered a dominant performance against arch-rivals India at the Hong Kong International Sixes, chasing down a target of 89 runs in just 3.5 overs after restricting their opponents to 88 in their Group C encounter in Mong Kok.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, keeping India to 88 runs in their allotted six overs.
Shashank Singh was India’s leading scorer, smashing 40 off just 11 deliveries, including two fours and five sixes. Nitish Rana contributed 19 off 14 balls, while Rahul Tripathi managed nine runs before being dismissed. T Natarajan remained unbeaten on 12.
For Pakistan, Abdul Samad was the leading wicket-taker with two wickets in his over, conceding just 10 runs. Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Shahzad claimed one wicket each.
Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay dismantle Indian bowling attack
Pakistan’s response was led by captain Abbas Afridi and Khawaja Nafay, who launched an aggressive assault on the Indian bowling attack from the outset.
Abbas smashed 35 runs off just eight deliveries, including one four and five sixes, while Nafay remained unbeaten on 41 off 12 balls, hitting two fours and five sixes.
The opening pair added 59 runs for the first wicket, putting Pakistan firmly in control of the chase and leaving India with little opportunity to defend their total.
Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on seven, while Irfan Khan contributed six not out as Pakistan reached 89 in just 3.5 overs.
Abbas was named player of the match for his match-winning performance.
Pakistan previously suffered last-ball defeat against UAE
Pakistan’s emphatic victory over India came after a dramatic one-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates in their opening Group C fixture.
Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 106-3 in six overs. However, the UAE completed the chase on the final delivery, finishing on 107-5.
Abbas once again impressed with the bat, scoring 53 off just 13 deliveries, including one four and eight sixes, before retiring out. Abdul Samad provided further momentum with an unbeaten 39 off 15 balls.
UAE captain Khalid Shah led his team’s response with a blistering 71 off 20 deliveries, featuring three fours and nine sixes, before Irfan Khan dismissed him.
Zahid Ali then played a decisive role, scoring an unbeaten 22 off eight balls and sealing the victory with a six on the final delivery.
Pakistan are defending the title they won in 2025 after defeating Kuwait in the final.
The Hong Kong International Sixes features 12 teams divided into four groups of three, with Pakistan, India and the UAE placed together in Group C.
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